The Gold Coast neighborhood in Chicago is one of the best places to spend a night out. From tree-lined streets and the twinkling lights of Mariano Park to the ambiance of fine dining establishments, romance is in the air in the Gold Coast.
ADALINA — 912 N STATE ST
One of life’s true joys is a bowl of fresh pasta. At Adalina, expect traditional Italian dishes with a twist like Cacio e Pepe, Gnocchi, and healthy servings of seafood. Chef Soo Ahn, formerly of the upscale brewpub Band of Bohemia, where he earned a Michelin star, brings his flair to the menu. While this Gold Coast destination is serving up the classics, they’re also exceeding expectations by providing an alluring, luxurious atmosphere that makes a night out feel like an authentic experience. A custom chandelier featuring 150,000 crystals, vintage mirrors, velvet seating, and a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar set the backdrop for your evening.
The Dining Room at Adalina in the Gold Coast is also pictured in the featured image above. Photos by Adalina.
BLUE DOOR KITCHEN & GARDEN — 52 W ELM ST
Blue Door Kitchen and Garden is a charming farm-to-table restaurant in the Gold Coast. Their patio feels like sitting in your best friend’s backyard in the summer months and is a reprieve from the bustling Elm Street. Blue Door Kitchen is located within the carriage house of Biggs Mansion, built just three years after the Great Chicago Fire. This quaint location suits the restaurant’s elevated southern cooking. Popular menu items include their Shrimp and Grits, Buttermilk fried chicken (accompanied with Belgian waffles if you’re dining for Brunch), and their staple farm sides — house-made mashed potatoes, mac ‘n cheese with added chicken, shrimp, or andouille sausage, and pecan cornbread.
The Blue Door Kitchen is a charming farm-to-table restaurant serving up comforting Southern cuisine.
LE COLONIAL — 57 E OAK ST
Since 1996, Le Colonial has been serving delicious French-Vietnamese cuisine with impeccable service. At the elegant restaurant, expect candlelit tables adorned in white tablecloths, surrounded by wooden shutters, palm trees, and beautiful oversized windows. They recently moved locations but stayed within the Gold Coast. Their new location features a dining room, bar and lounge, private chef’s dining room, and an all-season terrace overlooking the iconic Oak Street. A heated indoor terrace in Chicago’s winter? We’re there! We recommend their three-course tasting menu, which often includes an amuse-bouche, appetizer, entre, and festive dessert.
TZUCO – 720 N STATE ST
Topping Chicago’s Best Restaurant lists and earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction in 2021, Tzuco’s chef Carlos Gaytán serves up creative Mexican dishes in this inspired Gold Coast restaurant. The chef’s training in French haute cuisine is infused in each dish, including a French Onion soup with Poblano peppers. Standout dishes include their Cochinita Pibil — braised pork ribs prepared with adobo marinade served with black bean puree, pickled red onions, habanero salsa, and corn tortillas. The space is warm and inviting, featuring tall bookshelves filled with unique flora and dried grasses encased in glass, which connect the Chicago locale to the chef’s hometown of Huitzuco in Guerrero, Mexico. Tzuco tells a story through beautiful interiors and plate presentations.
The dining room at Tzuco connects the chef’s hometown of Huitzuco to the Gold Coast, Chicago through its dynamic interior design. Photo by Tzuco.
SOMERSET — 1112 N STATE ST
Somerset provides a blend of traditional and contemporary tastes and styles, much like the Gold Coast neighborhood where it’s located. In the Viceroy hotel (a modern-meets-historic building), Somerset presents classic American dishes that satisfy even the pickiest eaters every time. For an indulgent order — Somerset’s Beef Wellington is made with decadent Wagyu beef and black truffle. Looking for something on the lighter side? Diners recommend the miso-citrus salmon or ordering multiple starters like their seared sea scallops, burrata, wagyu steak tartare, and heirloom beet salad. Their menu rotates seasonally, and a tasting menu is commonly available. Located across the street from the triangular Mariano Park, Somerset’s patio is the perfect place to people-watch.
The dining room at Tzuco connects the chef’s hometown of Huitzuco to the Gold Coast, Chicago through its dynamic interior design.
THINGS TO DO IN THE GOLD COAST
At Gild, the sights, sounds, and shops of Chicago’s Gold Coast are just outside your front door. We revel in exceeding your lifestyle expectations with our community amenities and attentive concierge team , who are here to help with anything from restaurant reservations to date reminders. We are here to ensure that you’re making the most of your apartment home at Gild. Learn more about our available Studio, 1 Bed, and 2 Bed apartments here, or contact our team with any questions.
